Choosing your stone:
Stone veneer is available in several different shapes and colors. The manufactured stone veneer you select will be determined by the design style you are trying to achieve. The stone veneer you select will have a big impact on the overall look and feel of your project, whether you’re going for an antique farmhouse design or possibly a streamlined contemporary look. The web makes searching for home design styles easier than ever. You can discover many home improvement and design websites on the internet that can help you select the style of stone that will work best for your project. Invest some time and choose your stone carefully, as it is difficult to change once the project is complete and everything is installed. It is recommended that you request a sample(s) of the manufactured stone you have selected, this will allow you to see true color variations and match the existing style of your home.
Things to consider:
We strongly recommend that you mount your new mantel prior to the installation of your new manufactured stone (a new mantel is optional, most people use their existing mantels). Installing a new mantel after the fact is often tricky due to the cutting and trimming of stone that will need to be done on the wall. Due to the irregularity of stone products, it is also not recommended to install the new mantel on the fabricated stone face.
Suggested materials and tools:
– 5 gallon bucket
– Polymer-modified masonry lining mortar
– Electric drill with mortar mixing paddle
– 2.5 or 3.4 pound expanded metal lath
– Modified segment head cleat screws
– Grade D felt paper (60min)
– plywood
– 4″ manual disc grinder with diamond blade
Before you start:
1. Most of the debris and dust should be removed from the area where you are adding the stone before placing the stone veneer. The bond between the stone veneer and the installation surface can be inhibited by existing dust and dirt.
Build your wall (optional):
2. If you wish to increase your stone siding installation to the ceiling, you have the option of building the wall membrane over your existing chimney. Firmly assemble a wooden frame to the desired dimension and fix it to your wall. (Please note: installing underlayment and stone will add further dimension and should be considered when building your fireplace.)
Siding Installation (if step 2 is performed):
3. A layer of siding must now be placed over the wooden frame. You can buy many different types of siding that can be used including: particle board or cement board. The most traditionally used coating for this type of application is plywood.
Apply a weather-resistant coat and batten:
4. Mount the WRB in accordance with the manufacturer’s installation recommendations. Now, install a layer of 2.5 or 3.4 pound expanded metal lath horizontally. The ribbon should overlap a minimum of 2 inches at the horizontal and vertical seams.
Install Scratch Coat:
5. Install a nominal 3/8″ thick bead of mortar over the strip with a mason’s trowel. Make sure the strip is completely covered with mortar to allow for scratching of the surface. The mortar must be applied with sufficient pressure and thickness to fully embed the batten.As soon as the mortar is hard as a thumbprint, scrape the surface horizontally with a notched trowel, scarifier or bit of batten to create a starter coat.
Manufactured Stone Siding Installation:
6. Immediately after base coat dries (allow at least 24 hours) and before installing stone, scribe 8″ chalk lines along wall to properly position stone horizontally ( this step does not apply if applying irregularly shaped stones.) Apply one or two keystones to the bottom corner of the wall surface.Add mortar to the back of the stone and place it on the wall in one sweeping motion. side to create a seam There is a short and long return for all corners stone Returns should alternate in opposite ways at the corner of the wall staying within the chalk lines Proceed with application installing flat stones outside of these Corner Pieces Each additional course installed will start with a cornerstone.
Stone Veneer is easily shaped and cut as desired. This will allow you to easily fit stones into place, ensuring a natural looking wall with tight mortar joints. It can be trimmed or shaped using any of the following tools: 4″ hand-held disc grinder with diamond blade, pliers, or a wet saw. Remember to always wear safety glasses when cutting manufactured stone.
Enjoy your exquisite new stone fireplace!
Check with local building experts for building code requirements. They vary from area to area.